Tipping, from yesterday...

So my tipping post yesterday...my own answer is that I usually slip them a buck or so at Sonic depending on what I order, and I tip at buffets proportional to how much work I was to the server as far as refilling drinks or did they go get anything additional for me. If they refill my drink a few times or at least come back to check, I tip just like I do in a table service restaurant.

Coffee shops are odd though. I feel a little coerced by the counter tip jar, since I think that baristas generally make at least minimum wage, not the reduced salary that waitstaff do, plus, they don't usually provide any service that actually seems to warrant a tip. Sonic staff also make minimum wage I think, but they bring my order out in all sorts of shitty weather so I can stay in my car and that's worth a buck or two to me. But I kind of feel like tips are for performing some service beyond ringing up my order and handing it to me across a counter like they do at Starbucks-type establishments. I mean, I don't tip at McDonald's and assembling my order there is generally more complicated than pouring me a cup of coffee...